The Ebonyi government has officially launched the injectable pre–exposure prophylaxis, lenacapavir, for HIV prevention.

The antiretroviral injection is administered once every six months.

Health commissioner Moses Ekuma, during the launch at the general hospital in Ezzangbo, Ohaukwu LGA, said the innovation was a major advancement in HIV prevention.

Mr Ekuma said that the twice-annual administered injection was a better alternative to the daily oral PrEp.

”HIV is a public health concern, especially among young people in an already vulnerable population. The state has been proactive in preventing new infections in spite of challenges such as stigmatisation, poor adherence to daily medication, among others,” he said.

The commissioner remarked that Len-PrEP is not a replacement for other HIV preventive measures.

”The innovation is part of comprehensive prevention strategies such as testing, condom usage, behavioural interventions and treatment services,” he said.

(NAN)